Abstract
Abstract The study presents the results of research on the influence of a mineral growth stimulant containing titanium (Ti) in the form available to plants, applied to reduce the effects of biotic stresses caused by agrophages, namely fungal pathogens and selected insect pests. The study was conducted in 2014 and 2015 on winter oilseed rape, winter wheat, and maize. The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of the Ti-containing stimulant on the degree of damage caused by major pests occurring in the crops (cabbage seed weevil, cereal leaf beetle, and European corn borer), the degree of infestation with fungal diseases (gray mold, Alternaria disease, eyespot, foot rot, sooty mold, glume blotch, Fusarium head blight, Fusarium stalk rot, maize smut, and brown spot), and yield parameters. The study showed that the stimulant containing Ti successfully reduced the occurrence of pest damage to winter rapeseed and winter wheat plants and the occurrence of diseases in winter rapeseed, winter wheat, and maize crops. Thus, the application of the Ti stimulant resulted in an increased yield of the crops being tested. The main factor explaining this phenomenon is unknown, and it is probably the result of several factors. The study contains the discussion on this phenomenon.
Highlights
In addition to fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides, today’s agriculture uses a number of agents classified as plant growth stimulants or biostimulants
The results of the experiments on winter oilseed rape (Table 2) showed that the growth stimulant containing Ti in the form available to plants reduced the number of winter oilseed rape siliques damaged by cabbage seed weevils (F2;18 = 211,900; P < 0.001)
As a consequence of the smaller number of oilseed rape siliques damaged by pests, the plants fertilized with Ti were less infested with fungal diseases: gray mold (F2;18 = 692,500; P < 0.001) and Alternaria disease (F2;18 = 582,000; P < 0.001)
Summary
Herbicides, and insecticides, today’s agriculture uses a number of agents classified as plant growth stimulants or biostimulants. Their role involves the regulation and acceleration of life processes, improvement of plant resistance to stress factors, and stimulation of root and leaf development. Due to their mode of action, these substances are safe for the natural environment and partially substitute chemical plantprotection agents. Ti is a chemical element of the metal group It is relatively common in soil, in the form of titanium oxide
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
